Lanka to be promoted as film locations destination

Shirajiv Sirimane

WTM LONDON: Sri Lanka is to be promoted as a destination for film locations, Director Marketing Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) Malraj Kirielle said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the world's second largest tourism event World Travel Market (WTM) which began at London's largest exhibition venue Excel on Monday morning he said that promotions in this regard has been already launched in Bollywood, India.

He said the natural diversity in Sri Lanka is one of the main attractions for global film makers and this was the reason the SLTB decided to promote this concept. He said that Indian films such as Mother Teresa, Water and several other films were already shot in Sri Lanka and internationally acclaimed films such as the Bridge on the River Kwai, Mountain in the Jungle, Indiana Jones, Elephant Walk, Tarzan and host of other films were shot in Sri Lanka. "The country had already made a name for film locations, and this makes our task easier," he said.

The film crews around 70 usually stay for around three weeks and spend around 10 million US dollars for their stay and this is a very high revenue generation concept. "In addition there are also indirect opportunities created in the transport, food and other sectors," he said.

With film legends visiting the country it also gives publicity to the country which too is another advantage.

He said that they have already contacted the Sri Lanka Film Corporation and national carrier SriLankan Airlines who have promised to offer special airfares.

Indian and Korean film makers have already visited Sri Lanka and two Indian and one Korean film is to be filmed in Sri Lanka early next year.

"We have also prepared a special CD on some of the best locations in Sri Lanka and we would also promote this at the WTM," he said.

UK has been the second largest market for Sri Lanka after India with 92, 929 arrivals last year. In terms of room nights UK had been dominating during the past several years.

The 20 minute opening ceremony of the Sri Lankan stand commenced at 10 a.m. with lighting of the traditional oil lamp with Minister of Tourism Anura Bandaranaike as the chief guest. This was followed by a serving traditional Sri Lankan food.

The Sri Lanka stand occupies the Asian stand adjoining China and Nepal and this year the centre of attraction is the Makara Thorana which is a replica that is seen near the entrance to the Dalada Maligawa.

Creator of the version of the Makara Thorana Assistant Director Design, SLTB, G. Malaviarachchi said that each year they have a different concept and in the last two years replicas of Watadageya and Yapahuwa were displayed.

The awards ceremony for the WTM where presentations would be made for the best travel agent from UK who had actively promoted Sri Lanka was held in the evening while a special event was also held on the subject of child sex tourism.

Four new countries and regions, Moldova in Eastern Europe, Sudan and Cape Verde in Africa and the Emirate state of Fujairah in the Middle East as well as 64 new exhibitors have been added this year. For the first time the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also forwarded a hoteliers group from the Southern Province that were affected by the tsunami.

They join more than 5,000 exhibitors from a total of 202 represented countries and regions worldwide and over 48,000 delegates are expected to attend.

It was also revealed that international tourism has now increased to US $ 2 billion per day with Africa maintaining the highest growth of 8 percent last year.